Called to Holiness (v3)

1. The Foundation

Let us look at what the Word of God says: "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). These words act as a profound call to holiness. As believers, we are endowed with promises from the Almighty, yet they are predicates upon a lifestyle that honors these divine assurances through sanctification and reverence.

2. The Historical & Biblical Context

We find Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, addressing the church at Corinth—a congregation situated in a vibrant, yet morally complex city. In 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, Paul emphasizes the call to separation and sanctification in a context where believers were surrounded by pagan practices and idolatry. The Corinthians faced the challenge of living in a society steeped in spiritual and moral impurity. Hence, Paul urges them to distinguish themselves by receding from ungodly associations and actions to fulfill the promises delineated by God—namely, the intimate relationship between God and His people as their "Father."

3. Word Study (Hebrew/Greek)

Let us explore two pivotal terms from our scripture in these teachings:

1. Holiness (Greek: *hagios*), implies a state of being set apart and consecrated to God. It is not merely about moral purity but belongs to the character and presence of God Himself. Holiness involves a transformation, aligning oneself with God’s character, so every facet of life reflects His essence.

2. Defilement (Greek: *molusmos*), points to contamination or pollution. In Paul's usage, it suggests any influence that corrupts our spiritual and physical life, distancing us from the purity that God requires.

These terms deepen our understanding of this transformative call to embody a life that mirrors God's sanctity and resists the corrupt auspices of the world.

4. Theological Exposition

The lyrics precisely echo Paul’s exhortation and explore two integral themes: purification and separation.

### Purification

"Purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit" signifies an earnest call to cleanse both our physical actions and inward thoughts. Just as "the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7), our collaboration with the Holy Spirit in taking intentional steps towards sanctification is crucial.

### Separation

Paul then quotes God directly: "Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.” This aligns with God's consistent message through scripture reminding us of His people as a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). To truly embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God, we must divest from former sins and worldliness, an idea further solidified by the command to "touch no unclean thing."

### Promises of Divine Relationship

The ultimate promise—“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters”—demonstrates God's desire for an intimate, familial relationship with believers, contingent upon our willingness to engage in holiness and separation.

5. Practical Application: How to Walk This Out

First, we must identify sources of contamination. This requires spiritual discernment, prompted by the Spirit, to unearth behaviors or influences that pollute our holy walk.

Second, we must engage in confession and repentance. Regularly presenting ourselves before God in humility and allowing the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus to purify our hearts is a cornerstone of Christian practice.

Third, embrace the Holy Spirit’s role in our transformation. It is the Spirit's work to sanctify and teach us all things, enabling our conformity to Christ’s image.

Fourth, pursue fellowship with like-minded believers. Standing in the community of faith provides encouragement, accountability, and strength to walk in the separation to which God calls us.

6. A Proclamation & Prayer

Proclamation:

In the name of Jesus, I proclaim that I am cleansed by His blood, set apart for His purposes, and walking in the reverence of the Lord. I am a child of God, empowered to live in holiness and transformation.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus, humbly acknowledging my need for Your cleansing and sanctifying work in my life. I ask Your Holy Spirit to continually illuminate the path of holiness and separate me unto Your divine purposes. Strengthen me to relinquish any worldly entanglements and deepen my relationship with You, Father. Thank You for Your promises, and may my life ever reflect Your holiness. Amen.